ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.3, titled "Infrastructure," is an important element of the Quality Management System (QMS) standards. This clause emphasizes the need for organizations to determine, provide, and maintain the infrastructure necessary to support the operation of processes and achieve conformity in the production of products and services.
Breakdown of Clause 7.1.3
Determining Infrastructure Needs: The organization must identify the infrastructure needed to ensure that processes can be carried out effectively. This assessment should consider the requirements of the QMS and the specific needs of the organization's operations.
Providing Infrastructure: Once the necessary infrastructure is identified, the organization is responsible for ensuring that it is provided. This may include acquiring, installing, and maintaining infrastructure elements, such as buildings, equipment, transportation resources, and information technology.
Maintenance and Upkeep: Infrastructure elements should be maintained to ensure their continued functionality. This involves regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades when necessary.
Conformity of Products and Services: The primary goal of infrastructure provision and maintenance is to support the operation of processes in a way that ensures conformity of products and services with specified quality standards.
Types of Infrastructure: Infrastructure, as noted in the standard, can encompass various elements, including buildings and utilities, equipment (both hardware and software), transportation resources, and information and communication technology.
Clause 7.1.3 Manufacturing Company Infrastructure Example
For example, in a manufacturing organization, infrastructure might include
The physical facilities (buildings and utilities) where production takes place,
the machinery and equipment used in manufacturing processes, and
the software systems that control and monitor those processes.
It could also encompass the company's fleet of transportation vehicles used for product delivery.
ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.3 Infrastructure
Compliance with this clause is essential for maintaining the integrity of the QMS, ensuring consistent product and service quality, and meeting ISO 9001 standards. It emphasizes the importance of a well-maintained and functional infrastructure to support an organization's operations.